A scrotal (or testicular) ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging study that is useful in diagnosing testicular masses, varicoceles, hydroceles, spermatoceles, and diffuse processes. Doppler ultrasound or color-flow Doppler evaluation is helpful in demonstrating the presence of torsion of the testes. It is used to evaluate scrotal pain and to demonstrate the scope of scrotal trauma.
Tell the patient that total examination time is about 30 minutes.
Ask the patient to lie on his back. The penis is gently retracted, and the scrotum is supported on a rolled towel.
Apply a couplant (ultrasound gel) to the skin and then pass the transducer repeatedly over the scrotum.
Use color Doppler studies to assess presence, absence (as in torsion), or increase (as in infection and certain neoplasms) of blood flow in the testicle.
See Chapter 1 guidelines for intratest care.
Abnormal results are associated with:
Abscess
Infarcted testes (torsion)
Tumor (primary and metastatic)
Hydrocele
Spermatocele
Adherent scrotal hernia
Cryptorchidism
Epididymitis (chronic or acute), orchitis
Hematoma (associated with trauma)
Tuberculosis infection (associated with AIDS)
Testicular microlithiasis
Pretest Patient Care
Explain the purpose, benefits, and procedure of the test.
Assure the patient that there is no pain involved.
Explain that a liberal coating of coupling media must be applied to the scrotum. A sensation of warmth or wetness may be felt.
Ensure that a signed consent is in the patient’s medical record if an invasive procedure is to be performed.
Follow guidelines in Chapter 1 for safe, effective, informed pretest care.
Posttest Patient Care
Review test results; report and record findings. Modify the nursing care plan as needed.
Counsel the patient appropriately about further testing (nuclear scan) or surgery.
Follow guidelines in Chapter 1 for safe, effective, informed posttest care.